Table of contents for 26-2020 in Best

In the past couple of weeks, many of us have hit a ‘wall’. After the hard slog of three long months spent mostly indoors, often separated from loved ones, many of us are now experiencing ‘lockdown fatigue’. And Judy Finnigan is no exception. In a recent column, she admitted she was ‘more melancholy than happy’. The former This Morning host, 72, had, she explained, enjoyed a nice afternoon with family – following the government’s relaxation of rules – meaning groups of up to six can meet outside. ‘Oh, it was lovely, seeing three of our children and our grandson for the first time in three months; eating a socially distanced picnic… in a sunny garden was as near-perfect as anything gets these days.’ But afterwards, Judy confessed, her mood plummeted…

TOP TIP! A satin top adds instant glam to a pair of cargo pants!…

My heart breaks for Kate and Gerry McCann. It’s a grief that never ends. Theirs is a torture. A living purgatory. A pain without end. Not only do they not know whether their child is alive, they don’t know where she, or her remains, could be – or what really happened to her. They also have had to live with the consequences of not being with Madeleine on the fateful night in Praia da Luz in 2007, when she went missing 13 years ago. That must be the biggest burden of all. The what if? And yet, some people think they need to be reminded of that. I don’t think so. Those are words that will never, ever have to be uttered. As if they don’t know. As if they…

CLEANSE WITH CARE No matter how many fancy products you’re using, if you’re not using the right cleanser, it’s money down the drain. Thirty per cent more product is absorbed after a proper cleanse. You’ll also see results quicker. But use the wrong product and you could be at risk of causing breakouts, rashes or even adding years to your face. Washing with water alone is not enough to remove dirt, stale make-up, excess oil or pollution particles collected on your skin throughout the day. Here’s how to pick the best cleanser for you, followed by the optimum moisturiser, for happy skin. TOP CLEANING TIPS: • Cleanse twice a day, particularly at night when your skin repairs and regenerates itself. • Take at least couple of minutes, applying using your…

WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY MUM? I think my dear mum, who’s 83, has done incredibly well, being home alone since dad died a year ago. But over the past few months, I’ve noticed she keeps repeating the same stories to me, over and over. I had wondered if, during lockdown, she hasn’t had that much to talk about, and is forgetting what she’s already told me. But now, she’ll repeat things she’s said just a few minutes before. Do you think I should I be worried? Maria, Oxford Don’t panic. It won’t help you or be any use to your mum. Do ring her GP and arrange a video consultation. Have a look at the way your mum is organising her life. Is she paying her bills on time? Eating…

Pork and egg picnic pie Often known as a Gala pie – easier than you think and looks mighty impressive! Serves: 8-10 Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 1½ hours 500g shortcrust pastry Flour for dusting250g good-quality pork sausage, removed from skins175g pork tenderloin, diced350g chunky cooked ham, diced1 onion, finely diced Bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves only, finely chopped1tsp paprika2 eggs, lightly beaten (one for binding, one for glazing)4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled YOU WILL NEED 30.5cm x 11.5cm non-stick loaf tin 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan oven/gas mark 6. Cut off about one-third of the pastry for the lid and set to one side. Roll the remaining pastry out to an oblong shape, large enough to line the sides of the tin with a slight overhang…

Reggie Yates created and stars in this TV film as reality show winner Billy, who discovers the world of fame is not to his liking after all… Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 46, is separated from actor Martin Freeman, and is mum to their two kids. She plays Billy’s mum, Amanda. What’s your character like? Amanda is a midwife, she lives alone and she’s raised Billy by herself. They’re very close, with a beautiful relationship, and he loves her. She is wary of what he is getting into and is scared about what it is doing to him. But he will not open up to her. He’s in too deep. What affects Billy’s self-esteem? There are many potential things to blame, but one is social media. If you call someone a…

Michelle Visage made her name as the feisty, quick-witted judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. In 2015, the glamorous 51-year-old American appeared on the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother, and last year competed on Strictly Come Dancing with her pro-partner, Giovanni Pernice. Now she’s back on our screens with BBC3 show, How’s Your Head, Hun? – all filmed from her home. She talks to best about growing up in New Jersey, why Madonna is her inspiration, and how, underneath it all, she’s softer than her formidable image would suggest… We’re really loving your show – how did the idea come about? Well, when I left the UK to go back to LA, I knew I was going to be locked down in my house with the kids, our dogs, and a load of mess. So, I thought, why not put cameras…

Former soap queen Michelle Collins (who played Cindy Beale in EastEnders in the Nineties, before joining Corrie in 2011 as Stella Price for three years) has been making the most of her unexpected free time in lockdown. The uber-glam mum to Maia, 23, tells us she soon got over the ‘poor me’ moment of work being cancelled, and is enjoying quality time with her hunky 36-year-old boyfriend, Mike Davison… Michelle, how have you been during lockdown? It’s funny, I’m very sociable – usually, out and about. But I’ve enjoyed lockdown! Of course, what people are going through with this terrible virus is absolutely horrific. But personally, once I’d got over the fact that all my jobs were cancelled… I enjoyed stepping back. I’m very bad at sitting still, and this has forced me to rest.…

Dame Barbara Windsor has been a great British institution for over half a century. ‘That was the old fun Barbara,’ says her husband, Scott, softly. Asked how he first noticed the changes, the 57-year-old replied: ‘There was a change in her personality – she’s an actress. But her joy had started to go, and there was a slight vacancy.’ After a series of tests and brain scans, Barbara’s dementia diagnosis was confirmed six years ago. ‘She whispered: “I’m so sorry”,’ Scott recalls. ‘Inside I went numb. ‘I don’t think, at that moment in time, I comprehended the whole way forward,’ he says. ‘Now… it’s just quite awful.’ The disease has taken hold, and Scott has been given the bombshell news, by Barbara’s specialist, that the time may be nearing when…

HOW IT WORKS 1 Keeping ourselves healthy has never been more important, especially during times of stress. But did you know, 70 per cent of our immune system is found within our gut? 2 When it comes to looking after our gut, the first line of defence against invaders, it’s all about boosting the good bacteria contained within it. 3 We can do this by adding probiotics (good bacteria), found in yogurt drinks, to our diet. Plus, we can increase the prebiotics we consume (foods that feed the good bacteria), such as bananas. 4 Good gut health has also been linked to weight loss, reduced bloating and better mood. 5 With this in mind, we’ve put together the perfect plan to help you lose weight and boost your immunity, too.…

DAMASK ROSE Besides smelling divine, it helps improve capillary circulation and slow down the ageing process. Also known for its hydrating properties and its ability to heal broken blood vessels and promote radiance. BUY: I love the heritage brand Bronnley (bronnley.co.uk) – you will always find it in my bathrooms. The high pH of its Luxury Soap Bar, £6, makes the skin’s environment for bacteria much more hostile, helping to encourage cleaner skin. DIY: Rose petal bath Add a scoop of dried milk powder and mix in fresh damask rose petals to your bath water. The rose petals will help the skin retain more moisture and make it smell sweeter. Mineral-rich Dead Sea salt is great for detoxifying and cleansing the skin. BUY: Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Brushing, £13.99.…

I THINK I’VE BEEN EMOTIONALLY ABUSED Since lockdown has started to lift, being able to see my friends and family has been a blessing in disguise, for me. I think it’s highlighted that my partner – who I was stuck indoors with for three months – is emotionally abusive. He would always comment on my weight, or the way I looked, and manipulate me into thinking I looked worse than I did–even though, when I got on the scales, nothing had changed. He would get angry if I took phone calls from others, telling me it was ‘rude’ that I’d rather talk to them than spend time with him – even though I was with him 24/7! My friends have told me how great I look – even asking if…

Helinox leads the world in making stylish and versatile outdoor furniture – the ideal kit to make the most of your inside and outside space. Lightweight, comfortable and packable chairs, tables and more use the latest technology to deliver elegance and durability for years. And when social restrictions start to ease, the portable Helinox kit is perfect for day trips and ‘staycations’. best has teamed up with Helinox to offer one lucky reader an amazing family package of a Chair One, Chair One Mini (for the youngsters), Sunset Chair and Table One. Find out more about Helinox at helinox.eu. To enter, see right. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE: Save money by entering online at hearstmagazines.co.uk/best2620 by 10 July 2020. PHONE: Call 0901 027 2718 by midnight on 10 July 2020. Calls…

It’s hard to imagine ‘Britain’s PE teacher’, Joe Wicks, having a care in the world. But the lockdown hero, 33, whose classes for the past 13 weeks and counting have notched up 60 million viewers, has made a shock admission – his childhood was filled with anger over his drug-addicted father, Gary. ‘When I was a teenager, I was angry. I don’t remember seeing drugs used around me, but the after-effects of seeing him stoned or high…’ Joe said. ‘I was just so angry,’ he added, recalling one of Gary’s relapses. ‘I remember thinking, I don’t want to talk to him. I hate him.’ Choked up with emotion, he said: ‘I didn’t hate my dad. I just hated what the drugs were doing to him… I only said it once,…

The striking pair – who tied the knot in 2008, after meeting in LA in 2003 – rarely talk about their relationship. But in a recent interview, Amanda Holden couldn’t help but gush about her hubby, with whom she has daughters Hollie, eight, and Lexi, 14. Branding Chris ‘strong’ and crediting him as the reason she’s able to ignore online trolls, the stunning mum-of-two revealed he’s kept her sane over the years. ‘I’ve got a very strong husband who is very sensible and not like me in any way, he cuts through all the bulls**t and keeps me sane,’ she said. ‘I’m so lucky that when I started out, social media wasn’t invented because I might not have got through it.’ She added, ‘Everything I have gone through since then…

CANCER 22 June – 23 July Cancerians such as The Buddy Holly Story actor, Gary Busey, and The X Factor judge and Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger, are naturally empathetic and will find it easy to connect with people from all walks of life. It will feel important to help the most vulnerable members of your community at the moment. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October There are people around you now who will spoil some carefully planned arrangements at a moment’s notice. You’re bound to be disappointed, but you also understand the need for this sudden change in plans. Rumours surround you on all fronts, but don’t give credence to everything you hear. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Find ways to perk yourself up if you’ve been feeling isolated…

I caught the barman’s eye and ordered another pint. I couldn’t face going home. ‘Sorry I’m late, darling, just got caught up at work,’ I lied to my wife. It wasn’t that I had a problem with alcohol – I was just lonely and, at the age of 49, lacking direction in my life, yet on the surface all was well. My wife Toni, 53, a teaching assistant, and I had a lovely house in Essex, great friends, and – best of all – three wonderful daughters. I’d spent three decades providing for them, but after my girls had all flown the nest, I felt lost. Toni and I had met at a disco in Harlow in April 1982. We married and quickly had Kealy, 33, Gemma, 31, and Leah,…

Victoria Beckham, 46, is thought to be terrified at the idea of being left to fend for herself with the kids – in case they’re targeted by criminals. It’s likely that David will be heading to Miami – the home of his MLS soccer team – when lockdown is fully lifted. After two attempted break-ins at the couple’s luxurious bolthole in the Cotswolds, said to have left the pair ‘shaken’, the Beckhams are reportedly planning to build an underground escape tunnel. The world-famous couple, who have been married for two decades, were left terrified after a notorious, balaclava-clad gang was suspected of carrying out two botched raids on their country home, between October and November 2018. Scarily, it’s also been claimed, the group – whose names cannot be revealed –…